Mississippi HBCUs Secure $9.1 Million Grant to Boost AI Education and Workforce Training
Three historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Mississippi have been awarded a $9.1 million grant to expand education, workforce training, and entrepreneurship in artificial intelligence (AI). This funding comes as part of the Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program (MAI-TAP), announced by Governor Tate Reeves on June 12, 2025. The program focuses on strengthening the state’s workforce and economic future through AI skill development.
Governor Reeves highlighted the significance of the investment, stating, “We’re not just preparing for the future – we’re building it.” The grant aims to equip Mississippians with the skills required to succeed in an increasingly digital economy. Alongside state funding, the institutions will seek private partnerships to enhance the program’s reach and effectiveness.
Jackson State University Leads with XOR Initiative
Jackson State University (JSU) received $1.3 million to launch the Executive On Roster (XOR) initiative. This statewide effort is designed to engage students, educators, and entrepreneurs with AI and emerging technologies through practical, hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, JSU student consulting teams will provide AI-driven support to small businesses, helping them innovate and grow.
JSU Interim President Denise Gregory, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of this grant: “This investment affirms the quality of our faculty and programs and allows us to give students the knowledge and experience to contribute to the world they are entering.” The initiative aligns with JSU’s mission to expand access to emerging fields and create opportunities through innovation.
Additional HBCU Grants and Focus Areas
- Tougaloo College in Jackson received $1.08 million to recruit AI and machine learning faculty and establish a fund that provides all students with access to AI-related learning.
- Alcorn State University in Lorman was awarded $1.15 million to deliver digital literacy and AI training across southwest Mississippi. The university will also expand telehealth services through its School of Nursing to improve healthcare access in underserved rural areas.
Other Mississippi institutions, including Mississippi State University, Mississippi College, and the University of Southern Mississippi, also received funding to support AI education and workforce development.
Statewide AI Workforce Development Strategy
Mississippi’s AI and machine learning workforce strategy focuses on five key areas:
- Investing in human capital to build a skilled infrastructure workforce
- Promoting AI literacy across the state
- Upskilling workers to drive product innovation
- Supporting entrepreneurship and small business integration with AI
- Enhancing access to technology education and training
Federal Support for HBCUs and AI Education
The grant aligns with a broader federal initiative established by an executive order signed on April 23, 2025, aimed at promoting excellence and innovation at HBCUs. This includes expanding access to federal and state grants, encouraging private-sector partnerships, and supporting workforce development in key industries such as technology and healthcare.
The White House launched an annual HBCU Summit to build partnerships and set goals, as well as the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs, which includes leaders from education, philanthropy, business, and innovation sectors. According to a White House press release, HBCUs contribute significantly to the nation’s economy, generating $16.5 billion annually and supporting over 136,000 jobs.
For professionals in education, human resources, IT, and development, these developments represent a substantial opportunity to engage with AI training and workforce initiatives. Those interested in enhancing their AI skills can explore available resources and courses at Complete AI Training.
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